Ocean Technology and Interdisciplinary Coordination
🏛 U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 16, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for research organizations, universities, and science-focused institutions conducting ocean technology development and interdisciplinary coordination projects.
Eligible applicants typically include accredited colleges and universities, nonprofit research organizations, and federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs). Applicants must have research capacity and institutional infrastructure to manage federal grants.
The program supports research activities that advance ocean technology and promote collaboration across multiple disciplines. Funded projects often combine oceanography, engineering, computer science, and other fields relevant to ocean science.
Geographic scope is nationwide. Foreign institutions may be eligible in limited circumstances, but U.S.-based organizations are prioritized.
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Program description
The Oceanographic Technology and Interdisciplinary Coordination (OTIC) Program supports a broad range of research and technology development activities. Unsolicited proposals are accepted for instrumentation development that has broad applicability to ocean science research projects and that enhance observational, experimental or analytical capabilities of the ocean science research community. Specific announcements for funding opportunities are made for additional projects involving Improvements in Facilities, Communications, and Equipment at Biological Field Stations and Marine Laboratories (FSML) and the National Ocean Partnership Program.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- NSF Grant Proposal Guide (GPG) standard forms
- Project Narrative (research approach and significance)
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Biographical Sketches (key personnel)
- Current and Pending Support documentation
- Data Management Plan
- Facilities and Equipment list (if applicable)
Program contact
- 👤 U.S. National Science Foundation
- 📧 grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov
- 📞 703-292-4203
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 47.050 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
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$640,746,599
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$399,999,980
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$220,735,035
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$106,638,563
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$82,550,071
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$74,280,323
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$73,335,203
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$68,622,497
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$64,462,832
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$63,916,877
Top States by Funding
- TX 4 awards $689.8M
- MA 16 awards $667.5M
- OR 5 awards $452.4M
- CA 12 awards $286.7M
- NY 7 awards $217.5M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 47.050). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $1,009,920,000 | |
| 2025 | $1,013,630,000 | |
| 2026 est. | $374,350 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this NSF ocean technology grant?
Accredited colleges, universities, nonprofit research organizations, and FFRDCs are typically eligible. Your institution must have research capacity and systems to manage federal funds.
What types of projects does this grant support?
Research projects that develop ocean technologies or promote interdisciplinary coordination. Examples include oceanographic instruments, data systems, and collaborative research initiatives.
What is the typical funding range?
NSF research grants vary widely. Check the specific solicitation for funding amounts and project duration (commonly 2-4 years).
How competitive is this grant?
NSF grants are highly competitive. Success typically requires strong technical merit, clear innovation, and demonstrated capability to execute the research plan.
When is the deadline and what documents are needed?
The deadline is February 15, 2027. You'll typically need a project narrative, budget justification, CV or biographical sketches, and supporting materials per NSF guidelines.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Align your project with NSF's strategic priorities for ocean science and technology innovation.
- Emphasize the interdisciplinary nature of your team and how collaboration strengthens your research.
- Provide clear, measurable outcomes and explain how results advance ocean science broadly.
- Review the specific program solicitation carefully—NSF programs have detailed eligibility and scope requirements.
- Build relationships with program officers before submitting; they provide valuable guidance on competitiveness.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Proposals that lack interdisciplinary collaboration or fail to address how the project advances ocean science beyond a single institution. Applications without clear alignment to NSF's ocean technology priorities or vague project scopes often face rejection. Poor budget justification or unrealistic timelines undermine credibility.
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